Washing-machine.



J. B. KIRBY.

WASHING MACHINE.

APPLICATION mm 1m. 2a. 1915.

Patented Sept. 3, 1918.

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J. B. KIRBY.

WASHlNG MACHINE.

I APPLICATION FILED 1AN.28. 1915. L?7,03, PatentedSept. 3,1918

5 SHEETS-SHEET 3- WASHING MACHINE.

APPLICATION FILED JAN-28. 1915.

1 9 13 ,603, Patented Sept. 3, 1918..

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l. B. KIRBY.

WASHING MACHINE. APPLICATION FILED JAN.28.1915.

Patented Sept. 3,1918.

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To all whom it may concern."

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Be it known that 1, JAMES B. KIRBY, a' citizen of the United States, residing at Cleveland, in the county of Cuyahoga and State of Ohio, have invented a certain new and useful Improvement in Washing-Machines, of which the following is a full, clear, and exact description, reference being had to the accompanying drawingsl This invention relates to washing machines and has for its objects the provision of new and improved mechanism whereby clothing and fabrics canbe efficiently and rapidly washed and all freewater removed therefrom with a minimum of care, exertion, wear, tear, and handling. To this end the invention comprises novel constructions and expedients for forcing the cleansing fluid through the fabric, while constantly changing the position of the fabric so as to expose all portions thereof to the cleansing fluid, also for removing all adherent water therefrom by centrifugal motion and without removing the clothing from the washing receptacle. Further objects of the invention relate to the provision of a simple, strong and reliable mechanical construction whereby the power necessary to the above operation may be applied, and whereby the speed pf movement of the members may be varied as necessary for the purposes in view, and whereby the machine may be rendered safe in the hands of careless, unskilled, orinattentive workers. Additional objects are the provision of mechanism adapted to be operated with a minimum of power, and to employ a minimum quantity of cleansing liquid while further objects and advantages 'will become apparent as the description pro ceeds.

Generally speaking my invention may be defined as consisting of the combinations and constructions recited in the claims hereto annexed and illustrated, in one embodiment, in the drawings accompanying and forming a part of this application, wherein: Figure l is a right-hand end elevation ofa machine constructed in accordance witlLmy invention, a portion of the top being broken away to showithewashing drum, the parts being'illustrated in. washlng position; Fig. 2 is a vertical, sectional view throughthe center of said machine,vthe plane of section being parallel to the endyshown in Fig, 1;

Fig. 3 is a'view similar to-Fig. l but showing the parts in wringing'or drying 63 5...

Specification of Letters Patent. lpgi mdl g m, 3 flgilg Application filed .Tan iary 28, 1915. Serial No. 4,906. i

tion, Fig. 4 is a front elevational view of my improved washingmachi'ne, the parts -be1ng shown in the position illustrated in Figs. 1 and 2; Fig. 5 is a detail view of the controlling mechanism drawn to enlarged scale and showing the same in washing position; Fig. 6 is a similar view showing the positions assumed by the parts when the drum is elevate-d'but prior to the elevation -'of the motor to increase its speed; Fig. 7 is a View of the same parts showing their relative positions. when the motor is elevated to increase the speed; Fig. 8 is a detail perspective view of the operating mechanism;

, F ig; 9 is a detailview illustratingthe operation of the folding connecting rod; Fig. 10 is a top plan view of the complete machine; Fig. 11 is a horizontal, cross-sectional view taken upon the line 1ll1 of Fig. 2 andlooking downwardly, Fig. 12 is a perspective view of the stopping mechanism drawn :to enlarged scale.

Describing the parts \by reference characters, 1 represents the outer casing. or receptacle of my improved machine, the same being preferably of metal and having a cylindrical side Wall and a flat bottom wall 2, the whole being supported at a convenient height by a suitable framework. This framework may conveniently take the form of a spider 3 (see Fig. 2) having four equidistant brackets 47-4 (Fig. 10) adapted for the reception of angle iron legs 5-5 connected by suitable braces 6. The center of this spider is apertured for the passage of the bearing sleeve 7, which also passes through an aperture in the bottom of the tub and is secured thereto in any convenient leak-proof manner. Between the arms 33 of the spider the casing is exposed to the action of suitable burners 8, so that the clothing may be boiled without removal or handling.

Inside the casing the bearing sleeve 7 is preferably prolonged upwardly in the form of a hollow extension 9 of a height sufficient to project above the greatest amount of liquid intended to be used, and within this extension is rotatably and slidably j ournaled the vertical main shaft 10, the upper end of said shaft being flattened or squared at 11 for the reception of the washing container or drum. This drum consists of a rigid cylindrical member preferably made of and upstanding side walls 13. The diameter of this drum is slightly less than. that of the casing so as to permit it to be moved freely therein, but its height is materially less than that of the casing for a purpose to be hereafter explained. This drum or container comprises a hollow central vertical sleeve 14 adapted to receive the extension 9 and having secured to its lower end a plurality of 10 rigid radial arms whose outer ends are attached to an annulus 16 which receives the screening of which the side wall is made. The upper end of the sleeve 14' is reduced and fitted to the end of the shaft 10 as shown '15 at 17 and secured thereto in any suitablemanner as by means of the nut 18. Theupper edge of the wall-13 is preferably received, within a smooth metallic rim 19 whereby the drum is stiffened and injuryto 20 the users hand is avoided.

The exterior of the bearing 7 is made of cylindrical shape as shown at (Fig. 2)

forthe reception of the rotatable hub. 26 of the friction'wheel 27 whose spokes 28 are 25 downwardly curved or'dished as shown in Figs. -1 to 4, inclusive for the reception. of the gearing. Below this hub the bearing 7 is reduced in size as shown at 30 for the reception of a collar 31, here shown as fitting '30 partly within the lower end of the hub 26 r and as secured against longitudinal movement by the nut 32. Projecting radially froinone side of this collar is a fixed stud 33 on. which is rotatably journaled a bevel '65 gear 34 meshing with a second bevel gear 35 rigidly secured to the hub 26, and projecting from the face of the. gear34 is a. crank pin 36 to which is articulated the con.-

necting rod 37. On the other side of the 46 collar--31 is formedan extension 38 forming a counterweight adapted to counter-balance the weight of the gear 34 and its connected parts and to this is attached the stop rod 39 which will be referred to hereafter.

Rigidly' secured to the lower end of the shaft 10 as by the set screw 40 is a bracket 41 which carries a transverse wrist pin 42 parallel to the pin 36, and upon this pin is pivoted the lower connecting rodmember I 43. The two members 37 and 43 of this connecting rod are articulated together at 44 upon an am'sparallel to the pins 36 and 42 so asto form a kind of toggle joint, one of will be seen that upon the rotation of the su gear wheel 34, the collar 31 being suitably theshaft whose function will bedescribed 115 restrained against movement, the pin 42 will be alternately raised and lowered, carrying with it the shaft 10 and the drum or conta'iner, while upon the releaseof the collar 31' the tendency will be for the shaft to rotate together with the gear wheel 34, since the-pins 36 and 42 are necessarily parallel at all times. v

Rigidly secured to the two forward legs of the stand are two parallel rods. 50 and 51, one above the other. 1 Pivoted upon the former is a depending arm 52 having at its rearward side a pair of vertically spaced eyes 53-'-53 said arm terminatingE at its lower end in a flat push plate 54. eceived so in the eyes 5353 is a vertical rod 55 on which is mounted a horizontal arm 56 whose rearward end carries the motor shelf 57. This shelf carries the motor 58 whose shaft 7 bears the friction disk 59 which engages the friction rin 6 0 carried by the'rim of the wheel 27 pon the opposite side of the stud 55 the arm 56 iscxtended in the form of a bracket 61 adjacent to which is an ex tension 62 upon the side of the arm 52. Secured to this extension is a bolt 63 which passes between a pair of'fingers 64 carried by this bracket and between the bolt head and the fingers is a springj65 which tends normally to draw the arm 56 toward the frame and so pressthe disk 59'against the. rin 60. Journaled along this arm is a rock shfit' 66, having at one end the upturned handle 66 and at the other the cam 67.- By rocking this shaft so as to force the cam against the extension 62 the bracket 61 is wedged away from the arm against the tension of the spring 65 and the motor is disconnected from the friction wheel thus stop-' ping the machine. I

J ournaled upon the rod 51 is a sleeve 7 0 having at its outer side the pedal 71 and havin at its inner side the arm 72, the latter being so shaped as to come beneath the shaft 10. The inner extremity .of this arm is provided with a flat engaging portion 7 3 adapted to be brought into contact with a loose button 74'carr1ed by the lower end of later. Also this arm carries an upwardly pro]ect1ng,stop'75 adapted'to engage the rod 39 to hold the collar31 against rotation;

The arm 7 2 further carries a bracket '7 6 to 'whichis pivoted the releasing pedal 77."

This last named pedal is integral with a depending arcuate portion 78. 'Th.. -eleasing pedal 77 is normally held in-raise'd position by means of the sp1'ing79. Carried by the arm 52 and projecting rearwardly from the portion 54 thereof is a bracket portion 83 whose curvature'is substantially defined by' the axis '50. Normally the curved portion 78 ofthe releasi'ngpedal extends over the rearward edge of this curved bracket as. illustrated Figs. 1 and 5, so as to prevent any 130 aaraeoe v illustrated in Figs. 3 and 6; It will thus be serious effect of an immediate learn not to do. The only exception'tothis the fabrics floating loosely where they will seen that until the elevating pedal 71 has beenv moved to the position shown in Figs. 3 and 6 it will be impossible to swing the arm 52 around its pivot50, but that after the raising of the drum or container has been efiected it will be automatically locked against returning and the arm 52 will be free to be moved at will.

For the'purpose'of swinging the arm 52 I a sleeve 84 is journaled upon the rod 51, said sleeve having at its lower side a pedal 85 and having at its lower side a depending finger 86 pressing against the plate portion 54 of the arm 52. The button 74 heretofore mentioned is secured at the lower 'end of the shaft with a possibility of a certain amount of vertical movement, and the lower member 43 of the connecting rod is formed at one side with a toe 9O projecting thereover. The elevation of the arm 72 consequent upon the depression of the pedal 71 serves first to raise the button 74 which presses against the toe 90 and breaks the toggle joint, to the position shown in Figs. 3, 6, and 9, the shaft 10 sliding freely through the bearing 7 and elevating the drum or container to the position shown in Fig. 3. The movementof the pedal 71 also swings the stop rod 75 away from the arm 39 thus permitting the collar 31 to rotate freely, whereupon the entire system commences to revolve with the wheel 27. This elevation of the container brings the same above the surface of the liquid in the casing so that the clothes may drain, the

catch 7 8 serving'both to prevent their acc1- liquid-in the casing would certainly throw siderable time. However the dropping of the same into the liquid is attended with no danger since the energy available is merely that of the rotating tub and is not reinforced by motor power.

However it is desirable that the reciproeating motion should not berecommenced untilthe rate of movement has fallen comparatively low, since. otherwise the abrupt stoppage of one movement and the sudden beginning of another will surely break something. Therefore I preferably pivot .the arm 39 to the collar 31 as shown at 93,

also forming the, center of gravity of the arm at the point outside of and below this pivot so that upon beginning to rotate it will act as a governor and rise as shown in Figs. 6 and 7, so that even if the stop rod be returned prematurely to obstructing position, it will not intercept the movement of this arm until the rotation has reached a safe value. Also the centrifugal action elevates the end of this arm into the wheel 27 and avoids all danger of its catching the clothin or body of the operator.

It will be noted that the washing movement consists of a vertical reciprocation imparted to the drum or container, the bottom of the same being of perforated or foraminous material; This movement alone has some washin value,but after long ex periment the was ing-mecha'nism that commends itself particularly to me is that illustrated in Figs. to this part of my i ention the exterior of the sleeve 14 is made cylindrical and a collar 95 is loosely slipped thereon, said collar being formed with lateral arms 96 provided with heavy bells, cones, or heaters 97 Beneath the collar 95 is introduced a compression spring 98 whose lower end is preferably 2 andLIIO hereof. According secured rigidly to the sleeve as by a-boss. 99. ,The'weight of the bells or heaters, the" I stifi'ness of the spring 98. and the frequency most of that liquid out-on the floor and of its path, the heaters continue on upwardly might entail much graver consequences. for a'moment while the container descends.

Th lowering f th t no matter how The descending movement of the container quickly done, will exercise a brakingaction therefore precedes the downward movement on the drum orcontainer, so that the most of the bells, and the upward rush of the operation of liquid through the container bottom loosens the releasing pedal is to drop the dry clothes the fabrics and rearranges the same prior back into the water, which the user will soon to the arrival of the hells,- and also leaves braking action-occurs'whe'n the friction disk be most afiected by the bells.- is thrown away from the wheel while in high K In addition the helical nature of the speed position, in which case the momentum spring caus the me 2 i ligh y in f th d causes iet t t f gileoncontracting and expanding, which action causes the collar 95 to be shifted angularly slightly with each reciprocation with the result that the bells or heaters progress steadily around the container 'and never strike the same place twice in succession.

. While I have shown heaters of bell or cone form, any kind may be used within the limits of my invention, thouglrl prefer these by reason of their undoubted efliciency,

Also while I have shown only two of the 1 same, any convenient number can be emmentioned cooperates with this motion to distribute the clothing thus rendering unimportant the care with which the same is introduced into the container and causing them all to become subjected to the washing action. This distributing action is peculiarly fortunate in connection with the centrifugal wringing, since it prevents any such lack of balance as might cause vibration or accident.

The weight and area of the beating element, the stiflness of the spring,- and the frequency of the reciprocation are all sotude of movement as 'to render mathemath' cal computation impossible. The best plan is to make the beating element of rather heavy weight, choose a spring that will vibrate well therewith, and" change the speed of the reciprocation until the proper results are'obtained, this being. easily efiected by sliding the arm 56 up or down the-rod 55. Such trial, may then indicate the desirability of changing the weight of the system or the stiffness of the spring.

For purposes of completeness I may note that I nowemploy a movable element weighingfifteen pounds (6.8 kilograms) and comprising two bells each nine inches (22.8

centimeters) in diameter; a spring six inches (15.2 cenmmeters) long when unloaded and requiring a load of thirty pounds to compress it one inch (5.36 kilograms) per centimeter; a reciprocation of about 125 complete cycles per minute, and an amplitude of stroke of three inches (7.6 centimeters).

Under these conditions the movable element is given a throw of about seven lnches (17.8 centimeters) when the container is empty or aaraeoa beater impedes the operation by ofi'ering too T great a resistance to entrance into the liquid, while a deeper and rounder form such as have illustrated traps the air and permits the compression of the same, this not only preventing splashing and affording a more uniform washing operation, but by its expansion assisting in the succeeding upward movement of the heating element.

7 It is not necessary to remove the beating devices before wringing although the same can be done if desired, nor even to remove the cover from the casing. Also it is not imperative that the drum orcontainer have a perforated bottom wall, though without it a considerable part of the advantage of my washing devices would be lost. Also it is not imperative that the sidewall of the drum or container be of foraminous material since corrugated walls if slightly inclined would throw oil the water sufficiently for wringing purposes. Furthermore it would not be necessary to elevate the inner tub or container to free it from the washing liquid in case the user was satisfied to draw off and discard or store that liquid, though the arrangement I have shown permits the washing to be done in instalments, the same wash Water being employed. However between successive washings it is sometimes desirable to perform a rinsing, bluing or like operation and to wring the clothes so treated. Also in such case it is frequently desirable to keepsuch foreign liquid from cooling or contaminating the wash water.- For this purpose I may provide the casing with an annular "utter 100 located just below the bottom 0 the c ontainer when the same is in wrmgmg pos1t1on. I provide this gutter with a discharge cock 101 independent of the main discharge cock 102, and when this 1s opened the wringing mechanism can be employed with a minimum of contamination of the wash water.

The elevation of the drum out of the liquid is done without the necessity of stopping the machine. The friction drive renders the increase of speed very even. and convenient,

avoids all shifting of gears, limits the accel- .way into the water. Functionally, however,

' eration to thefriction present thereby preventing overstram of the parts, and pre-' raraooe 10 for shielding the mechanism and preventing the dropping of oil; I

While, owing to the desire for brevity, I

have described my invention with reference onlyto this single embodiment, it will be obvious that a great many changes in point of detail could be made within the scope of my invention, and that embodiments differing materially in many ways from that here shown fall within the scope of mv inventive idea. Accordingly I intend my description as purely illustrative and not restrictive, as I do not limit myself to any detail of construction, operation or arrangement except as the same may be specifically recited in the claims hereto annexed or may be rendered necessary by the prior state of the art.

Having thus described my invention, What I claim is l. In awashing machine, a casing, a perforated container therein, means for recipro'cating said container in the lower part of said casing for washing fabrics therein, and means for rotating said container at high speed whereby said fabrics may be wrung without removal from the container.

2. In a washing machine, a casing adapted to hold cleansing liquid, .a contained within said casing and having its walls formed for the discharge of liquid, means cooperative with said container for washing fabrics therein, means for elevatin said container above the level of the liqui in said casing,

. automatic devices for preventing the return of said container toliquid contacting position, mechanism for'rotating said container at high speed whereby adherent liquid may be removed from the fabrics therein, and an operative connection between said devices and said mechanism for preventing the operation of said mechanism except during the action of said devices. V

3. In a washing machine, a casing adapted to hold cleansing. liquid, a container therein adapted to receive the clothing or fabrics to be washed, said container having perforated walls, a shaft rigidly secured to said container, means for-moving said shaft to bring said container into contact with the liquid in said casing for washing said vfabrics, means for moving said shaft so as to elevate said I container above the liquid, means for thereafter rotating said container at high speed, and means governed by the position of said shaft for preventing the applicatiou of rotative-power thereto in high. spiced driving relation while said container is' in liquid contacting position.-

. In a washingmachine, a-casing adapts 'ed; to holdcleansing liquid, a container 7 therein and adapted to receive the clothing.

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or fabrics to be washed, said container having a perforated bottom, means for reciprocating said container in the liquid, meansfor changing the relative position of the container and liquid level so as to bring said container out of the liquid, and means for rotating said container at high speed.

, In a washing machine, a casing adapt- ;ed to hold cleansing liquid, a container contained in said tub while the same is in the lower position, means for elevating said tub to its upper position, means for rotating said tub at high speed while so elevated, and an annular gutter carried by said casing above the washing position and adapted to catch the water thrown from said tub.

' 7. In a washing machine, a casing adapt ed to hold cleansing liquid in its lower part, a container in said casing and adapted to receive the clothing 'or fabrics to be washed, saidcontainer having a foraminous wall, means whereby said container may be brou ht. either below or above the level of the l1quid and without removing the liquid from the casing, means for moving said container while in contact with the liquid whereby the clothing or fabrics therein may be washed, means for revolving said container rapidly while out of contact with the 1051 liquid whereby the fabrics may be dried, and devices for preventing any increase of speed of said revolving mechanism during the time that'said container is in liquid contacting'position.

8. In a washing machine, a casing adapted to hold cleansing liquid in its lower part, a container rotatable in said casing and adapted to receive the clothing or fabrics to be washed, said' container having a foraminous ,wall, means whereby said container may be brought either below or above the level of the liquid and without removing the liquid from the casing, a continuously rotating driving element, gearing con- 12o necting said element to sa d container so as to move the same atcomparatively low speed while in contactwith the liquid, and for revolving said container at compara tively high speed'when out of contact with rat the liquid, and means for preventing the connection of said drivin element to said container in high speed re ation during the time that said container is in liquid contacting position.-

9. In a washing machine, a casing adapted to hold cleansing liquid in its lower part, a container therein adapted, to receive the clothing or fabrics to be Washed and to be supported in either the lower or the upper part of said casing. said container having a perforated wall, means coiiperating with said container for washing the clothing or fabrics therein, while, in the lower part of said casing, means for elevating said container above the liquid level. in ans for thereafter rotating said .eontainer at high speed, and means carried by the upper part of said casing for catching and discharging the liquid thrown from said container before it reaches the bottom part of the casin 10. In a washing machine. a casing adapted to hold cleansing liquid in its lower part,

a container rotatable in said casing and adapted to receive the clothing or fabrics to be washed, means whereby said container may be brought either in contact with the liquid or above the liquid level and without removing the liquid from the casing. mechanism including a friction wheel and disk for moving said container at low speed while in contact with the. liquid. means operative while said container is out of liquid contacting position for changing the relative position ofsaid disk and wheelwhereby said container may be rotated rapidly. and means for preventing such shifting until after said container has been brought above. the liquid level. i 4

11. A washing machine comprising a casing for holding liquid, a vertical shaft in 'said casing,a container carried by said shaft for holding clothing, a wheel of large diameter coaxial with said shaft, a driving wheel contacting with said first wheel. and

'mechanism connecting said first wheel and shaft adapted to operate saidshaft at a speed slower than said first Wheel for washing purposes and at a speed equal to said first wheel for drying purposes.

12. A washing machine comprising a casing for'holding liquid and having an elongated vertical sleeve projecting through its bottom, a shaft journaled in said sleeve, a circular container secured to the upper end of said shaft and having an apertured wall,

means whereby said container may be brought either above or below the level of the liquid and without removing the liquid from the casing. and mechanism outside of and beneath said casing whereby said shaft may be reciprocated. at low s eed for washing purposes or revolved at igh speed for drying purposes.

13. In a washing machine, a substantially cylindrical liquld-contalning casing having an axial bearing in-one of its flat sides, a

shaft reciprocably and rotatably journaled 1n said bearing. a circular container within sa1d casing and secured axially to said shaft,

a drive wheel journaled to said bearing, mechanism operative during the time that said shaft is m lowered position for imparting a reciprocating motion thereto upon roaxis substantially vertical and movable be tween upper and lower positions in said container. a driving wheel outside of said casing. mechanism operated by said driving wheel wl-iereby articles in said container may be washed while in the lower part of said casing. mechanism also including said wheel whereby said container may be rotated at high speed while in the upper part of said casing. and means automatically operative upon the raising of said container for stopping the operation of said first mechanism and starting the operation of said second mechanism.

15. In a washing machine. a casing adapted to hold cleansing liquid, :1 container therein adapted to receive the clothing or \fabrics to bewashed. said casing being of greater height than said container and said container having a perforated wall, means for moving said container into contact with the liquid in said casing for washin the fabrics therein. means for elevating said container above theiliquid, means for thereafter rotating said container at high speed, and interconnecting devices between said elevating means and said rotation controlling means for preventing lowering of said container until after the application of high speed power thereto has ceased.

ed to hold cleansing liquid in its lower part,

lindrieal container located thereinwith itsa container in said casing andadapted to re ceive the clothing or fabrics to be washed. said container having a perforated wall and said casing being of greater vertical height than said container, means, for raising and lowering said container within-said casing, means operatlve while said contamer' 1s 1n thel'ower part ofsaid casing for imparting a reciprocating movement thereto, means operatlve while said container is 1n the upper part of said casing for imparting a rotary movement thereto, and means operatlve auton'iatically upon the elevat on of said casing for changing from reciprocating to rotative movement. v

17. In a washmg maclnne, a casing, a C11? cular container inside saidcasing, means for raising and lowering said container, a power 'sourceo crating always in one direction and at a uni orm speed, and mechanism connecting said source and container and adapted when said container 1s 1n lowered posltlon to impart a reciprocating movement thereto source operating always in one direction and at a umto'rm speed, mechanism connecting and when in elevated position to impart a rotary motion thereto.

18. In a washing machine, a casing, a circular container therein, means for raising and lowering said container, a rotating member, mechanism connecting said member and container and adapted when said container is in the lower part of said casing to impart a reciprocating motion thereto,

I said source and container and adapted when said containeris in lowered position to impart a reciprocating movement thereto and when in elevated position to impart a rotary motion thereto, and means operative to delay the change from rotary to reciprocating movement after the lowering of the container until the rotative speed shall have fallen 'to a predetermined amount.

'20. In a washing machine,

cular container therein, means for raising and lowering said container, a rotary memluding said sha her, a driving wheel operated thereby, mech-. anism connecting said driving wheel and container adapted when said containeris in lowered position to impart a slow washing movement thereto and when in raised position to impart a rotary movement thereto, means for efi'ecting'a change inthe speed ratio between said rotary member and driving wheel, and mechanism for preventing the operation of said last means excepting when said container is in raised position.

21. ha washing machine, a casing for holding liquid, a shaftprojecting into said casing, a'cireular contamer in. said casing and operatively connected to 'said shaft, mechanism operatively connected to said shaft foragitating clothing within said con-'- tainer for washin purposes, mechanism inwhereby said container maybe given'a rapid rotating movement for drying purposes, and devices for increasing the speed of said shaft unless saidcontainer is first raised to an elevated position in said-casing.

22. In a washin holding liquid, asfiaft projecting into said casing, a cylindrical foraminous container in Said. casing and operatively connected to said shaft, a frictionwheeloutsidejof said casing; means whereby said container be brought either below or abovefthe level preventing machine, a casing for in said bearing,

of the liquid and without removing the liquid from thecasing, meansoperativeduring the time that said container is in liquid contacting position for gearing said Wheel to said shaft in slow moving relation, means operative during the time that said container is out of liquid contacting position for clutching said wheel to said shaft whereby said container may be given a rapid 'movement for wringing purposes, a friction disk in driving contact with said wheel and normally maintained in low speed relation thereto, means for moving said disk relatively to said wheel wherebythe speed of said wheel may be increased, and devices for preventing the operation of said last named means except when said wheel is secured directly to said shaft.

. 23. In a was ing machine, a casing adapt ed to hold cleansing liquid in its lower part, said casing having a vertical bearing in its bottom wall, a support for said casing, a

shaft slidably and rotatably mounted in said bearing, a cylindrical container secured to the upper end of said shaft, within said casing, pedal means carried by said support for raising and lowering said shaftso as to support said container either in or out of the liquid in said casing, mechanism operatively connected to said shaft whereby the container may be given a vibratory movement a casing, a cirwhile in lowered position and a rotary move: ment while in raised position, and means operative upon the movement of said pedal for changing from. one movement to the a other.

24. In a washing machine, a cylindrical casing adapted to hold cleansing liquld,

saidcasing having an axial bearing in its bottom wall, a support forsaid casing, a shaft j ournaled in said bearing, a cylindrical container secured to the upper end of said shaft,- said container having liquid discharging walls and an open top, a pedal pivoted to said support for raising and lowering said container into and out of the liquid in said casing, means operatively connected to said shaft whereby the conta ner may be given a different kind of movement while in said liquid than while elevated, means operated by the movement of said pedal for shifting from one kind of movement to the other, and an automatic catch' for retaining said pedal in container-elevating position.

25. In a washing machine, a casing adapted to hold cleansing liquid in its lower part,

said casing having a bearing inits bottom wall, a shaft slidably and rotatably mounted a circular container secured to said shaft within the casing, wheel surrounding said shaft outside of said casing, a driving element operatively engaged with-said wheel, means for varying element and wheel, means for raising a' driving.

the relative speed ratio between said driving and lowering said shaft relatively to said wheel, and means for connecting said wheel.

said casing having a bearing-in its bottom wall, a shaft slidably and rotatably mounted casing adapted to hold Washing liquid in its in said bearing, a foraminous container secured to said shaft within the casing, a wheel rotatably supported coaxially with said shaft, a driving element operatively engaged with said wheel, and connections between said wheel and shaft whereby a movement of continuous rotation of said wheel imparts to said container a vibratory movement.

27. In a washing machine, a casing adapted to hold washing'liquid, a support for said easing, a bearing member secured in the bottom wall of said casing and depending therefrom, a vertical shaft, slidably and rotatably journaled inside of said bearing, a friction wheel rotatably journaled upon the exterior of said bearing, a friction disk carried by said support adjacent to the edge of said wheel, means for raising and lowerin said shaft, means for transmitting the motion of said wheel to said shaft in either of its positions, means for shifting the relative-position'of said disk and wheel, means for preventing such shifting excepting during the raised condition of said shaft, and a circular container secured to the upper end of said shaft. l

28. In a washing machine, a cylindrical lower part, a bearing member axially secured in the bottom wall of said casing and projecting therefrom, a shaft journalcd inside of said bearing, a circular container secured to the end of said shaft within said casing, a friction wheel rotatably journaled 11)OI1 the exterior of said bearing, a friction disk operatively supported adjacent to the edge of said wheel, means for raising and lowering said container relatively to the liquid in said casing, means for automatically locking said container in raised position, operative connections between. said wheel and shaft, means for shifting the rela tive position of said disk and wheel, and means for preventing such shifting excepting after the operation of said locking means.

29. In a washing machine, a casing adapted to hold cleansing liquid in its lower part, said casing having a vertical bearing'in its bottom, wall, a support for said casing, a shaft slidably and rotatably mounted in said bearing, a friction wheel operatively connected to said shaft, a frictlon diskoperatively engaged with said wheel, means for driving said disk, a lever pivoted to said support and adapted to raise and lower said tar/ace shaft, a second lever pivoted to said support and adapted to shift said disk relatively tosaid wheel, a circular container secured to the end of saidshaft within said casing, and means for preventing the operation of said second lever excepting after said first lever has been operated.

30. In a washing machine, a casing adapted to hold cleansing liquid, said casmg having a bearing in its bottom wall, a support for said casing, a shaft in said bearing, a friction wheel operatively connected to said shaft a friction disk operatively engaged with said. wheel, means for drivin said disk, a, circular container secured to t e end of said shaft within said casing, said container being supported so as to be raised and lowered relatively to the liquid, a lever pivoted to said support and adapted to shift the relative position of said disk and wheel, and means preventing such shiftin excepting after said container has been raised relatively to the liquid and for preventing the lowering of said container, until after the return of said wheel and disk to normal pos1t1on.

31. In a washing machin'e a casing adapted to hold cleansing liquid in its lower part, said casing having a vertical bearing in its bottom wall, a shaft slidably and rotatably mounted in said bearing, a frame supporting means operatively cdnneeted to said shaft whereby the same may either be rotated or reciprocated a lever pivoted to said frame and adapted when depressed to raise said shaft, and also to connect said means and shaft in rotating relation, a locking device cooperating with said lever and adapted to retain said shaft and container in elevated position, and a second lever pivoted to said frame andadapted when operated to increase the speed of said device, said last lever being arranged to. be operated only after the operation of said first lever.

32. Ina washing machine, a casing adaptto to hold cleansing liquid, said casing having a vertical bearing in its bottom wall, a

frameworksupporting said casing, a shaft slidably and rotatably mounted in said bearing, a friction wheel snrrounding'said shaft and rotatable in a horizontal plane, an arm oted to said frame and having a finger engaging said arm whereby the same ma be swungabout its pivot and said shelf raised.

33. In a washing machine, a casing adapted to hold cleansin liquid, said casmg having a vertical bearmg in its bottom wall, a

framework supporting I lever is depressed to meshing with said ed to hold cleansing liquid, a

lid

' and depending therefrom,

navaeoe I said casing, a shaft slidably and rotatably mounted in said bearing, a friction wheel surrounding said shaft and rotatable in a horizontal plane, an arm pivoted to said frame upon a horizontal axis and having a horizontal shelf projectin therefrom, a motor carried by said shelf and having its shaft hori ontal, a friction disk carried by the motor s aft and engaging the edge of said friction wheel, t e parts being normally arranged so that said Wheel engages said disk adjacent to and slightly below the center thereof, a lever pivoted to said framework and arranged when depressed to elevate said shaft, a second lever pivoted to said framework and having a finger engaging said arm and arranged w on said second swin said arm and elevate said motor shelf, an connections be tween said levers whereby movement of the second'lever is prevented prior to the elevation of said shaft.

34. In a washing machine, a casing adapted to hold cleansing liquid, a bearin member secured in the bottom wall. of sai casin and depending therefrom, a vertical shaft 7 journaled inside of said bearing, a driving wheel rotatably journaled upon the exterior of said bearing and rotatable in a horizontal plane, a bevel gear secured to said driving wheel, a second bevel gear pivoted to said bearing member upon a horizontal axis and first gear, a connecting rod'having one of its ends ec'centrically pivoted to said second gear and its other end pivoted to said shaft, and a washing device secured to the upper end of said shaft.

35. In a washing machine, a casing adaptbearing member secured in the bottom wall of said casing casing, a vertical shaft 'ournaled inside of said bearing, a driving w eel rotatably journaled upon the exterior of said bearing and rotatable in a horizontal plane, a bevel gear secured to said driving wheel, a collar sleeved upon said bearing and having a horizontal stud, a second bevel gear journaled on said stud and meshing with said first gear, a connecting rod having one end eccentrically pivoted to said second gear and its other end pivoted to said shaft, a perforated container secured to said shaft, and a lever pivoted to said support and adapted when operated to raise said shaft, said lever also having an extension adapted when in do ressed position to prevent rotation of said collar.

36. In a washing machine, ed to hold cleansing liquid, a bearing member secured in thsd ottom wall of said casing and depending therefrom, a vertical shaft jour I naled inside of said bearing, a driving wheel rotatably journaled upon the exterior of said beg and rotatable in a horizontal plane, a bevel gear secured to said driving wheel, a

a support for said a casing adapttainer having a collar journaled on said bearing and having a horizontal stud, a second bevel gear journaled on said stud and meshing'with said first bevel gear, a connecting rod having one end eccentrically pivoted to said second bevel gear and the other end pivoted to said shaft, a centrifugal member pivoted to said collar, a stop member adapted to engage-said centrifugal member when still to prevent movement of said collar, a foraminous container secured to the upper end of said shaft, means for raising and lowering said container, and means for freeing said centrifugal member simultaneously with the raising of said container.

' 3?. In a washing machine, a casing adapted to hold cleansing liquid and having a bearing in its lower wall, a vertical shaft slidably mounted in.said bearing, a container secured to the upper end of said shaft and having a foraminous lower wall, beating members in said container, and means for imparting to both said beating members and container a regularly timed vertical reciprocating motion.

38. In a combined washing machine and centrifuge, a casing adapted to hold cleansing liquid, a container inside said casing and having a foraminous lower wall, beating members in said container, means forimparting to said beating members a vertical reciprocating motion combined with an intermittent motion of progression around said container, and means whereby said container may be rotated rapidly about its axis. 39. In a Washing machine, a casing adapted to hold cleansing liquid and having a bearing in its lower wall, a vertical shaft slidably mounted in said bearing, a container secured to the upper end of said shaft and having a foraminous lower wall, beating members in said-containenineans for imparting to both said beating members and said container a regularly timed vertiand means for tical reciprocating motion relatively to said container, means for shifting said members angularly about the container when near the lower limit of each reciprocation, and means whereby said container may be rotated rapidly about its vertical axis,

ll. In a washing machine, a casing adapted to hold cleansing liquid, a container in said casing and adapted to receive the clothes or fa ice to be washed, said cona casingadapted' to hold cleansperforated lower wall, means T for reciprocating said container vertically at a fixed rate, beating members in said container and spring means supporting said beating members from said weight of said beating members and the stiffness of said springs being so balanced that said beating members shall have a vibratory motion independent of said container.

42. In a washing machine, a casing adapted to hold cleansing liquid, :1 container in said casing and adapted to receive the clothes or fabrics to be washed, said container having a foramino'us lower wall, a beating member located in said container, a spring carried by said container normally supporting the weight of said beating member and means for. reciprocating said container.

43. In a washing machine, a casing adapt ed to hold cleansing liquid, a container in said casing and adapted to receive the clothes or fabrics to be washed, said container having a perforated lower wall, and a central cylindrical stud, a collar sleeved on said stud and having radial arms, beat ing members carried by said arms a compression spring surrounding said stud between said collar and the bottom of said for reciprocating said container, and means fixed rate, the

container vertically at a weight of said collar and beating members to the stiffness 0 being so related to the stiffness of said spring that a vibratory movement will be imparted thereto by the motion of said container.- I

44. In a washing machine, a casing adapted to hold cleansing liquid, a container in said casing and adapted to receive the clothes or fa rics to bewashed, said containerhaving a perforated lower wall, and acentral cylindrical stud, a collar sleeved on said stud and having radial arms, beating members carried by said arms, a spiral compression spring surrounding said stud between said collar and the bottom of said container, the lower end of said spring being non-rotatably secured in place, and means for reciprocating said container vertically at a fixed, rate, the weight of said collar and beatin members being so related said spring that a vibratory movement will be imparted. thereto by the motion of said container.

45. In a washing machine, a casing adapted to contain cleansing liquid and having a vertical bearin in its lower wall, a shaft journaled in said bearing, a cylindrical container secured to the upper end of said shaft coaxially therewith and having a foraminous bottom, means for moving said shaft vertically so as to raise andlower said container, and mechanism carried by said bearlng and adapted when said container is in lowered position to impart thereto a verticontalner, the

tempos v cal reciprocating motion and when the same is in raised position to impart theretoa-rotary motion.

46. In a washing machine,a casing adapted to contain cleansing liquid and having a vertical bearing in its lower wall, a shaft journaled in said bearing, a cylindrical eontainer secured to the upper end of said shaft coaxially therewith and having a foraminous bottom, means for moving said shaft vertically so as to raise and lower said container, and mechanism for imparting to said shaft when in lowered position a vertical reciprocating motion, and when the same is in raised position for imparting thereto a continuous rotary motion, the raising and lowering movement of said container by said means being through a greater distance than the amplitude of said reciprocation.

47. In a washing machine, a casing adapted to contain cleansing liquid and having a vertical bearing in its lower wall,- a shaft journaled in'said bearing, a cylindrical container secured to the upper end of said shaft coaxially therewith and having a .foraminous bottom, means for moving said shaft vertically so as to raise and lower said container, and means including a reciprocating connecting rod for imparting to said shaft a vertical reciprocation when the same is in lowered position, the raising and lowering movement of said a greater distance than said reciprocat1on and said connecting rod being jointed to permit the raising of said container.

48. In a washing machine, a casing adapted to hold cleansing liquid, said casing having a vertical bearing member in its bottom wall, a shaft journaled in saidbearing mem her, a container of perforated material rigidly secured to the upper end of said shaft, means operative while said container is in lowered position for washing articles therein, means for elevating said shaft so as to bring said container above the liquid level, means operative upon such elevation to arrest the operation of said washing means, and means for thereafter imparting to said shaft a continuous motion of rotation.

49. In a washing machine, a casing adapted to hold cleansingliquid, said casing having a vertical bearing member projecting from its bottom wall, a support for said casing, a shaft slidably and rotatably mounted in said bearing, a cylindrical con- .tainer of'foraminous material secured to the upper end of said shaft, a driving wheel journaled upon the exterior of said bearing and rotatable in a horizontal plane, a bevel gear rotatable with said driving wheel, a second bevel gear pivoted to said bearing member upon a horizontal axis and meshing therewith, an eccentric pin carried by said second gear, a connecting rod pivoted to said pin, means whereby the other end first means being through 1 of said connecting rod is operatively connected to said shaft, a lever pivoted to said support and arranged when depressed to ed to hold cleansing liquid, said casing having a vertical bearing member projecting from its bottom wall, a support for said casing, a shaft slidabl y and rotatably mounted in said bearing, a cylindrical container of fora'minous material secured to the upper end of said shaft, a driving wheel journaled upon the exterior of said bearing and rotatable in a horizontal plane, a bevel gear rotatable with said driving wheel, a second bevel gear pivoted to said bearing member upon a horizontal axis and meshing therewith, an eccentric pin carried by said second gear, aconnecting rod pivoted to's'aid pin, said connecting rod comprising two jointed members forming a toggle joint, a lever pivoted to said support and arranged when depressed to break said toggle and elevate said shaft, the amount of such elevation being greater than the stroke of said connecting rod, and means operative-simultaneously with the elevation of said shaft for permitting the bodily rotation of said second gear.

51. In a washing machine, a casing adapted to hold cleansing liquid, said casing having a vertical bearing member projecting from its bottom wall, a support for said casing, a shaft slidably and rotatably mounted in said bearing a foraminous container secured to the upper end of said shaft, a driving wheel journaled upon the exterior of said bearing and rotatable in a horizontal plane, a bevel gear rotatable with said driving wheel, a rotatable collar journaled upon said bearing member below said drivingwheel and having a horizontal stud, a second bevel gear journaled upon said stud and meshing with said first gear, an eccentric pin carried by said second gear, a connecting rod having one end pivoted to said pin, and the other end operatively connected to said shaft, a lever pivoted to said support and arranged when depressed to elevate said shaft, a projecting member carried by said collar, and an extension carried by said lever and normally engaging said member whereby rotation of said collar is prevented, said extension being arranged upon the depression of said lever to release said member and permit said collar to revolve.-.

52. In a washing machine, a casing adapted to hold cleansing liquid, said casing having a vertical bearing member projecting from its bottom wall, a support for said casing, a shaft slidably and rotatably mounted in said bearing, a foraminous container secured to the upper end of said shaft, a

driving wheel journaled upon the exterior of said bearing and rotatable in a horizontal plane, a bevel gear rotatable with said driving wheel, a rotatable collar journaled upon said bearing member below said driving wheel and having a horizontal stud, a second bevel gear journaled upon said stud and meshing with said first gear, an eccentric pin carried by said second gear, a connecting rod having one end pivoted to said pin and the other end operatlvely connected to said shaft, said connecting rod including a toggle joint, a lever pivoted to said support and arranged when depressed to break said toggle and elevate said shaft, the amount of such elevation being greater than the stroke of said connecting rod, and means movable with said lever and normally engaging a part of said collar whereby the rotation thereof is prevented, said means being engaged to release said collar simultaneously with the breaking of said toggle whereby revolution of said collar is permitted. I

53. A washing machine comprising a main container, a garment carrier arranged within the container, mechanical means for vertically reciprocating said carrier, for washing operation and means for independently rotating said carrier.

In testimony whereof, I hereunto affix my signature in the presence of two witnesses.

. JAMES B. KIRBY. Witnesses:

HAROLD E. SMITH, BRENNAN B. WEST, 

